The Philippine National Police (PNP) has appealed to the public and various groups to keep the police organization out of political issues, as it rejected rumors linking members of the uniformed services to an alleged destabilization plot against the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the 225,000-strong police force remains focused on its primary duty to maintain peace and order, enforce the law, and protect communities.
Nartatez said police personnel have more important work to do than entertain political speculation that could undermine the professionalism and integrity of the organization.
“We have better and productive things to do in terms of further reducing the crime rate and making every Filipino safe in the streets and in their homes, rather than involving ourselves into something that will compromise the integrity and professionalism of the PNP as an organization,” Nartatez said.
He stressed that the PNP remains loyal to the Constitution and to duly constituted authorities, adding that there is no basis to question the commitment of police personnel to their sworn mandate.
“As an institution, the PNP remains apolitical and non-partisan, and all our uniformed personnel perform their mandate with professionalism, discipline, and integrity and all we ask is to spare us from this rumor and let us do our job,” he said.
The statement came after Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro dismissed renewed coup rumors as recycled claims involving members of the uniformed services.
Nartatez echoed the Palace position and said the public should be more discerning about information circulating online, particularly unverified reports on social media.
He urged Filipinos to be cautious against fake news and avoid sharing unconfirmed claims that may only create confusion or distrust in public institutions.